Human Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression Is Dependent on Apoptosis According to Bomb-Pulse 14C Dating

ABSTRACT: Visual Abstract Highlights • Individuals with rapidly progressing atherosclerotic plaques are at higher risk to experience acute complications. Using a 14C bomb-pulse dating method, we explored the importance of different biological components for the timeframe of plaque progression in human atherosclerosis.• According to the 14C bomb-pulse dating method, increased apoptosis was the main component associated with a young physical plaque age, reflecting a rapid progression.• Physically young atherosclerotic plaques also had more apoptotic cells and larger cores than physically old plaques.• Our findings in combination with recent advances in imaging techniques could guide future diagnostic imaging strategies to identify rapidly progressing plaques or therapeutic targets, halting plaque progression. Individuals with rapidly progressing atherosclerotic plaques are at higher risk of experiencing acute complications. Currently, we lack knowledge regarding factors in human plaque that cause rapid progression. Using the 14C bomb-pulse dating method, we assessed the physical age of atherosclerotic plaques and which biological processes were associated with rapidly progressing plaques. Interestingly, increased apoptosis was the main component associated with a young physical plaque age, reflecting rapid plaque progression. Our findings in combination with recent advances in imaging techniques could guide future diagnostic imaging strategies to identify rapidly progressing plaques or therapeutic targets, halting plaque progression.

SUBMITTER: Edsfeldt A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8559321 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature